Daniel Grana-Behrens: Artificial Intelligence. Alterity, Chameleon and Onto-Vision as a New Practice and the Social and Cultural Anthropology’s Perspective

Abstract

Artificial general intelligence, whether in the form of chatbots, robots, or biohybrid entities, will transform human life and the lives of other entities with which it interacts daily, challenging cultural boundaries ontologically. While many disciplines have discussed the structure and effects of artificial intelligence, social and cultural anthropology has been reluctant to address the issue. In other words, anthropology has underestimated the ways in which artificial intelligence produces “culture” itself. Therefore, this article argues that social and cultural anthropology must turn toward artificial intelligence and view it as a growing cultural force for human beings and other entities. This transformation requires adopting the chameleon’s perspective of “onto-vision” with constantly changing views. The article analyzes the organizational, structural, and performative characteristics of artificial intelligence through logic, structure, and practice, situating this alterity within the realm of human interaction and cultural spheres.

[artificial intelligence, ontology, ontological turn, alterity, everyday practice]